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Blind Citizens Australia

Parent News

March 2001

A happy new year to all of you from everyone at Blind Citizens Australia!

Welcome to the first issue of Parent News for 2001. Once again, we are all back at school or work, and the holidays seem like a distant memory.

In Parent News this time, I have collected lots of announcements about forthcoming events which may interest your family. There are also articles about Education Department resources you may find useful in the area of Program Support Group meetings, and an article about employment and career development for vision-impaired people. I have also included information about technology and recreation ideas.

I will also be repeating my request for families to contact me if you are interested in attending a forum about issues of parent advocacy, or any other problem areas you are experiencing within the education system.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you, the readers of Parent News. Please get in touch to tell me what you like, and more importantly, what you don’t like about this newsletter. Likewise, if you or your family have any information, or stories you would like included, please let me know.

I look forward to another year of producing Parent News, and making it a newsletter that families enjoy reading.

All the best for the coming school year.

Helen Freris

Editor

Here are some events to put in your diaries.

RVIB will be conducting four Residential Training Programs in 2001 for students who are blind or vision impaired. The focus of the programs is to develop skills and knowledge in a variety of curriculum areas unique to the needs of vision impaired students. It also provides an opportunity for students to interact and network with their peers in a positive environment.

Eligibility: Priority will be given to those students unable to attend the RVIB Support Skills Program during the school terms. Eight places per program will be available. By request, there may be the possibility of some day placements for students with specific needs.

Cost: $80

6-9 March (closing date for expressions of interest 2 February)

14-17 August (closing date for expressions of interest 29 June)

April 17-20 (closing date for expressions of interest 2 March)

October 2-5 (closing date for expressions of interest 17 August)

For more information, call Garry Stinchcombe or Michelle Piggott on (03) 9808 6422.

(SVRC Bulletin, 2, 2001)

The following announcement appeared in The SVRC Bulletin (3 2001). Please get in touch with the contact person listed for more information.

Guide Dog Association of Victoria: April Camp 2001 – ‘DIRECTIONS’

When: 9 - 12 April 2001 Primary School Students

Achieving safe independent travel from A to B is only part of having good orientation skills. Understanding how you travelled from A to B, particularly the directions you took, is important. This camp aims to introduce and teach an understanding of "Directions". The camp, will particularly focus on the following concepts:

• Left, right, forward, backward
• Clock-face directions
• North, south, east, west
• Distances in metres
• Shapes
• Perimeters of an area
  Using maps

The mornings will be devoted to Orientation and Mobility Training and the afternoons and evenings will be recreation. The recreational activities will have an outdoor, adventure focus. Each student will be encouraged to participate in activities that are beyond their typical experiences.

Referrals close on the 30th March.

For further information please contact Shelley Pannier on 9854 4439

The Bulletin (SVRC 2, 2001) has the following article calling for expressions of interest in what sounds like an exciting adventure:

Please contact Deb Lewis to register your interest on:

We will be calling a meeting of interested students, parents and Visiting Teachers soon!

Making a Difference for Kids - Children on the Margin

Addressing the health care needs of marginalised children and young people. The ideal forum for networking with parents, health professionals and other community members interested in psychosocial issues in child and adolescent health care.

Funded by NSW Health

By Robyn McKenzie, Employment Consultant, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind

Editor’s Note:

This article has been written by Robyn McKenzie, and it offers food for thought regarding employability skills for vision-impaired people. Robyn will be contributing articles for Parent News in an occasional employment feature. Please send in your thoughts about what you read in this, or any of Robyn’s articles.

We often think the greatest barrier to gaining employment for people who have a vision impairment is the actual vision impairment. I would argue that it is the employer’s attitude towards vision impairment or blindness which is the greatest barrier. The good news is, attitudes can be influenced. And the best person to do the influencing is the job seeker.

The job seeker with the most influencing power has confidence and believes in their ability to do the work. Not just do the work, however, they have already thought about the world of work and have a long list of strategies for managing in the workplace.

Whilst getting a job is an issue most children consider to be part of their distant future, they can never start planning too early. Employment is greater than simply having a job and knowing what career to choose. There are so many skills we develop apart from the specific skill required by a job that makes us employable. These are skills such as initiative, planning and time management, problem solving, people and negotiation skills, working as part of a team, leadership and stress management.

For people who are blind or vision impaired, there is also added the skills of orientation and mobility, self advocacy by way of explaining the nature of vision impairment and communicating information needs, and a good working knowledge of relevant adaptive technology. In fact it is these skills which will increase the likelihood of getting sustainable employment over and above having an IT or social work degree, trade or TAFE qualification.

As an Employment Consultant and Careers Counsellor at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, I often see clients who have a tertiary qualification and no, or very few, work ready skills. They have concentrated all their efforts on accessing an education and developing a specific skill related to a particular job or industry. Far too often this is to the detriment of developing employability skills.

So, what can a child who is blind or vision impaired do right now to prepare for the world of work?

Apart from going to school and gaining an education, there are many activities which can assist a child to develop their communication, leadership and self advocacy skills. They can join a sports team or interest group, do regular voluntary work, identify role models (sighted and vision impaired), develop a relationship with a mentor, practice orientation and mobility skills daily, become computer and adaptive technology literate, develop stress management skills by being physically fit, join junior rotary to develop public speaking, self advocacy skills and "how to meet new people" comfort skills.

A report on where Australia stands at the end of the 20th Century on including children with disability in their local schools

* Double Issue of Interaction Journal

(Report Card on Inclusive Education in Australia)

* Full Report Card on Inclusive Education in Australia

(Interaction contents, plus complete set of data, references and appendices, including numerous comments by parents/professionals/advocates)

Prices:

(inclusive of GST, postage & handling)

Interaction $20

Full Report $30 ($20 for Subscribers to Interaction)

Full Report & Interaction $40

Payment Details: q Interaction q Report q Report+Interaction

q Cheque/Money order q Bankcard, Mastercard or VISA

Credit Card Number: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Expiry Date: __ __ __ __ Signature:______________________________

Name: ……………………………………………………………………... ... ...

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

National Council on Intellectual Disability

PO Box 181, FYSHWICK ACT 2609 AUSTRALIA

Tel: 02 6280 8858 / Fax: 02 6280 8868

Editor’s Note:

This report, although lengthy, is interesting reading and features considerable input from parents and families. The picture of inclusive education presented is grim, although good practice in Victoria and interstate is acknowledged.

Computer Game Mailing List

Recently, the following message appeared on Vip-l, Blind Citizens Australia’s e-mail discussion list:

audyssey, (games accessible to the blind magazine) now has a new discussion list, which is dedicated to discussing any types of games accessible to the blind, be it via a computer or otherwise.

To join, send an email to audlist@espsoftworks.com with subscribe in the subject.

KeyRead – Junior Screen Reader

KeyRead is a simple, but powerful, screenreader that is tailored for blind persons that may be new to using a computer.  Works entirely by the standard keyboard navigation controls, the arrow keys!  Also...

• Echoes each keystroke
• Selective reading of screen
• Selective reading of menus
• And more!

KeyRead works with all software: word processors, web browsers, and even other types of applications. The Mac version is ready now, and we are working on the Windows version, which should be ready around March 2001. Costing US$99 you can order online!

(SVRC Bulletin: 2, 2001)

One of the side-effects of vision-impairment is the high cost of assistive technology. Recently, an announcement appeared in the SVRC Bulletin to try and combat this problem.

Equipment Recycling Network Inc.

(SVRC, Bulletin 2, 2001)

The SVRC Bulletin (3, 2001) reports the following:

On Tuesday, 13 February 2001, The Minister for Education, The Hon. Mary Delahunty, MP, launched the Victorian Education Channel, a major new Internet gateway providing enhanced access to information, services and resources for students, teachers, parents and the community.

• A single point of access to more than 200,000 high quality learning resources from DEET web-sites and from selected web-sites around the world.
• Life Events pages that bring together information and services from a variety of sources to help with each step in the educational journey from starting school, through the early and middle years, to post-compulsory studies and job seeking.
• Suitable resources are available for learners of all ages.
• Access to curriculum@work and other resources linked to the CSF to assist teachers with planning and lesson preparation.
• Resources and courses to assist with professional development.
• Special interfaces for primary and secondary students, teachers, schools leaders and parents.

The resources and services available through the Victorian Education Channel have been carefully selected and catalogued to ensure high quality information relevant to every user’s needs. They have been checked for suitability by trained staff or have been provided by authoritative institutions such as museums, galleries and education providers.

(Editor’s Note: I have checked this web-site, and can assure families that it is accessible using assistive technology.)

Water Rats – Channel 9 - 2001

The following announcement was received by Blind Citizens Australia recently:

Once again Water Rats, which started on 13 February will be simulcast on RPH Stations around Victoria: 1179 AM Melbourne, 107.5 FM Mildura, 101.7 FM Albury/Wodonga, 1001 FM Shepparton and 88.7 FM Bendigo.

To access this unique service: If you are totally blind – simply tune in to an RPH station for the sound of Water Rats with audio description. If you have some sight – turn the television to Channel 9, turn the sound off, and tune in to an RPH station for the sound of Water Rats with audio description.

Here is a way of buying popular books in braille.

There is a large selection of children’s books in braille aimed for ages one to ten. Books by Dr Seuss, Margaret Wise Brown and Robert Munsch can be ordered including Madeline, Curious George and Magic Tree House books. You'll find stacks of general-interest books telling the hilarious and touching stories of the Berenstain Bears, Mr. Gumpy, and the tiny town of Chewandswallow. You'll even discover such rich treasures as Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, and over a hundred classic fairy tales. The books are mostly available in contracted or uncontracted braille and a brief description of the book is provided.

There are also books from the following categories:

• Classics
• Braille Books about Guide Dogs
• Cook Books

(The Bulletin, SVRC 3, 2001)

Have you ever considered tennis as a viable game for someone with a vision-impairment? We have received some information at Blind Citizens Australia which might interest those of you who were glued to your radios and televisions during the Australian Open:

Julie’s Tennis Coaching – Offers tennis coaching for intellectual disabilities, hearing and vision impairment and wheelchair tennis lessons, qualified TCAV Coach and NCAS Disability Coach. If you are interested contact Julie Sabina, 29 Bruce Street, Lalor, Ph 0418 172 506, Fax 9465 6336

Audio-Described Theatre

The Melbourne Theatre Company have sent us details of their audio-described productions for 2001.

The following is a list of dates and times of audio described performances and a brief description of each production.

Art by Yasmina Reza at the Playhouse on 17 February at 4.00 pm and 19 February at 6.30 pm. Starring Kim Gyngell, William McInnes and John Wood. Witty, funny, stimulating – explores friendship, fashion and personal values

Design for Living by Noel Coward at the Playhouse on 7 April at 4.00 p.m. and 9 April at 6.30 p.m. Starring Josephine Byrnes. A comedy – glamorous and chic.

The Tempest by William Shakespeare at the Playhouse on 26 May at 4.00 p.m. and 28 May at 6.30 p.m. Starring Margaret Harvey and John Stanton.

Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg at Fairfax Theatre on 18 June at 6.30 pm and 23 June at 4.00 pm. Starring Paul Bishop. A mystery about two successful architects, the woman they both loved, and the legacy they leave their children.

Up for Grabs by David Williamson at the Playhouse on 16 July at 4.00 pm and 21 July at 6.30 pm. Starring Garry McDonald A well known painting is up for grabs at auction with three interested parties, whose lives are exposed hilariously

The Rain Dancers by Karin Mainwaring at Fairfax Theatre on 11 August at 4 pm and 13 August at 6.30 pm. Dan returns unannounced to the farm and his mother, wife and daughter he deserted 25 years ago

The Seagull by Anton Chekhov at the Playhouse on 3 September at 6.30 pm and 8 September at 4.00 pm. A story of love and thwarted ambitions, and obsessive disappointments of everyday life, as well as comedy.

The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster adapted by Kate Cherry at Fairfax Theatre on 24 September at 6.30 pm and 29 September at 4 pm. Starring Catherine McClements. A Jacobean tragedy – a woman trying to live for love in defiance of a corrupt Church and State.

Stones in His Pocket by Marie Jones at Fairfax Theatre on 24 November at 4 pm and 26 November at 6.30 pm. Starring Philip Dodd and Greg Stone. An Irish play about 2 local boys working as extras in an American film – and they play all the roles – 13 in all! Funny and moving.

This MTC season is extremely popular with some very well known television personalities performing on stage, so it is essential that you book as soon as possible. Tickets - $28.50 from EASE Ticketing. Telephone 9699 8497 Mon-Fri 10.00 am – 4.00 pm.

Further Developments at NILS

In the last issue of Parent News, you may recall an interview with Jane Evans, the Manager of the National Library and Information Service. If anyone in your family is a client of the former RVIB Library and Information Service, you may have also received a notice informing you of the library’s new telephone number. The new number is 1300-654-656. Jane Evans has published some more information about library developments on Vip-l, which I have reprinted below:

What has happened to the RVIB and RBS Library Services?

Both these agencies will continue to provide library services through a joint venture project. To provide an expanded service to library clients the collections of both the RVIB and RBS have been merged onto one data base. Audio and braille books will continue to be shelved and distributed from both library locations in Prahran, Melbourne and Enfield, Sydney. Staff at both locations are available to assist clients who visit the library, as they have done previously.

Library clients were advised in advance of the plan to put their borrower details onto one data base and invited to request this not be done if they wished. Combining the catalogues and borrower details means that library clients of both the RBS and RVIB, as well as the organisations for which these agencies provide library services, will have access to a greater range of books that may be selected from either Melbourne or Sydney.

How will library administration be managed?

As the combined catalogue and borrower details are now on one data base it is possible for that to be administered from one location, which is Prahran, Melbourne. A goal of the joint venture project is to achieve economies by centralising some processes in this way. Savings that can be achieved from improvements to processes and work practices will be channelled back into book acquisition and development of services.

Staff in Melbourne who receive enquiries on the 1300 number are all qualified librarians and familiar with library operations. Many have been in this role for several years with the RVIB library. All these staff have access to the combined borrower data base and are able to assist clients who receive library services through the RBS or the RVIB.

In bringing the collections together and making them available to library clients the main aim of the joint venture has been to cause as little disruption to the service as possible and, in time, to introduce improvements to the service.

Helen Freris

In the last issue of Parent News, I described queries I have received from parents, and floated the idea of a parents’ forum/information session. Suggested topics to be covered in the session were:

• An overview of children’s services from blindness agencies;
• Peer support and advocacy for parents;
• Tips for Program Support Group meetings;
• Any other issues suggested by parents.

As yet, I have not received any response, so I cannot gauge the level of interest in Blind Citizens Australia’s holding such an information session. I am keen to hear from families with any ideas or comments, or even if you would be interested in coming to an information session.

Please get in touch with me at Blind Citizens Australia, using the contact details at the front of Parent News. The cut-off date for expressions of interest is Monday April 30. This will give me time to plan the event, and advertise it in the next issue of Parent News. I hope to hear from as many of you as possible!

Since school is now in full swing, many of you will be dealing with the challenges of negotiating for your child’s educational needs, and participating in Program Support Group meetings. On the Victorian Governments Education Channel web-site, some useful resources exist to explain provisions for children with disabilities, and give advice to families.

The first publication is entitled "Students with Disabilities and Impairments Program Handbook".

This booklet outlines the role and functions of the Program for Students with Disabilities and Impairments, making applications for program funding and the processes involved, criteria for consideration under the program, and the responsibilities of parents, schools and other bodies. The booklet also contains useful contact points where parents can obtain more information.

The second booklet is entitled "Program Support Guidelines for Students with Disabilities and Impairments". This publication is designed to assist families through the Program support Group review meeting and contains information on topics such as: aims, responsibilities, membership, and operations of the Program support Group. Appendices at the end of the booklet also provide referral points for further information and support.

Note: Both booklets are available in PDF format only. There is a link to down load Acrobat Reader when you down load the booklets from the appropriate web-page. If you are using a screen-reader, remember that adobe.com, the web-site where the Acrobat Reader program can be obtained, also has an access page giving details of how to access documents in PDF format using a screen-reader.

I have electronic copies of both booklets, so if anyone has difficulty accessing them on-line, feel free to contact me at Blind Citizens Australia for copies.

At Blind Citizens Australia, we often receive brochures describing interesting community services. Here is the information taken from a brochure from the Good Shepherd Buying service:

GOOD SHEPHERD BUYING SERVICE

The Good Shepherd Buying Service is a Statewide telephone services free and available to anyone with a Pension. It assists in obtaining lower prices on refrigerators, washing machines, furniture/bedding, televisions and other electricals, asthma pumps. To use the buying service shop around and choose a product with the features you need. Ring the Good Shepherd Buying Service with the Brand and model number. The buying service will obtain the lowest possible price on the product. Stores can arrange delivery if requested.

This buying service is not a retail outlet, it is a telephone service only. For information call 03 9417 4666